v.

1. stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
   
   • Her former friends now avoid her
2. prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening;
   debar, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, ward off
   
   • Let's avoid a confrontation
   • head off a confrontation
   • avert a strike
3. refrain from doing something
   
   • She refrains from calling her therapist too often
   • He should avoid publishing his wife's memories
4. refrain from certain foods or beverages;
   keep off
   
   • I keep off drugs
   • During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day
5. declare invalid;
   invalidate, annul, quash, void, nullify
   
   • The contract was annulled
   • void a plea